The Heartland Sangha is a group of American Buddhist affiliated with the American Buddhist Association (ABA) and the Kubose Dharma Legacy. This independent group consists of Americans of both Japanese and non-Japanese ancestry. Our ages range from one to 80 years, and we enjoy monthly social get-togethers and fun activities, as well as involving ourselves in various social action programs. We hold a number of periodic seminars on current Buddhist thinking, and have a program of bi-monthly religious services held at Lake Street Church in Evanston. Everybody is invited to join us for any or all activities. Our quarterly newsletter, Sangha Notes, is available by subscription, and included articles written by a number of Chicago-area Buddhist writers.
Heartland Sangha is interested in American Buddhism as developed by the venerable Rev. Gyomay Kubose. This Buddhism has its roots in Japanese Buddhism and culture, yet is uniquely American. Rev. Kubose's vision of American Buddhism combines important tenets of both the Jodo Shinshu and Zen schools.
Jodo Shinshu, a distinctly Japanese denomination of Buddhism, was revolutionary in its focus on making Buddhism available to all people. Prior to that in Japan, Buddhism was largely reserved for the highly-educated elite. Jodo Shinshu teaches that the insights of the Dharma are accessible by everyone.
Zen Buddhism has been a part of the Buddhist traditions of many different countries and cultures. Zen focuses on the importance of seeing the worlds and one's self as they truly are. One of the methods used when striving to obtain this correct vision is meditation.
All Buddhists, regardless of denomination, value the Three Treasurers, or Three Jewels of Buddhism. These three include: The Buddha, his teachings known as the Dharma and his community of truth-seekers known as the Sangha. Through the Heartland Sangha, we hope to learn how to apply the teachings Buddhism to our everyday lives, to make the world a better place.